Many people are familiar with the terms free-range, free run, organic and halal, but are unsure of what they really mean. As more and more consumers become concerned with where their food comes from, these labels are becoming more common on egg, beef, pork, sheep and chicken products all over. Let's clear up the confusion and shed some light on what each term means.
Free Range Chicken
As the name suggests, free-range refers to animals that have free access to the outdoors. The term free range applies to chicken, beef, sheep, goat and pork.
During the cold winter months, be cautious of free-range products labeled as "fresh" in stores. These products may have actually been frozen and then defrosted before being put on store shelves. In this case, you want to avoid re-freezing the product once you return home.
Free Run
The term free run is very different from the term free-range. These animals may not necessarily be raised outdoors. At the same time, they may not necessarily kept in cages or tight quarters either. Free run chickens, cows, goats and pigs have the freedom to move around the barn and stretch their legs. Most animals that are raised for meat are considered "free run."
Organic Beef
Beef, pork, sheep, chicken and egg products that are labeled as organic must adhere to strict requirements. For example, the animals must be fed organic feed that is free from antibiotics, hormones, animal by-products and other supplements. These products must also be approved by a particular certification body before they can be labeled as organic.
Raised Without Antibiotics
When animal products are labeled as "raised without antibiotics," it simply means that the animals were never treated with antibiotics.
Grain and Grass Fed Beef
Many chicken, beef, sheep, goats, pork and egg products are labeled as "grain fed" as a way to market their product to consumers. In reality, most animals are fed a diet that consists primarily of grains; therefore, lean toward purchasing "grass fed beef". Some brands do try to boast the use of special types of grains in order to entice customers to purchase their products but choose the grass-fed whenever available.
Steroid and/or Hormone Free
There are some marketers that choose to label their meat and egg products are "hormone free" or "steroid free" -- excellent choice.
Vegetarian Grain Fed Animals
Vegetarian grain fed cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens consume a diet that is free from animal by-products. In most cases, animal by-products are included in conventional feeds as a source of protein for the animals. Vegetarian grain; however, only contains vegetable proteins such as soy. The meat from animals that are raised on this type of grain will have a different color and flavor. Both pigs and chickens are omnivores. It is possible to raise these animals on vegetarian feed, but adequate amounts of protein must be included in the feed in order for the animals to remain healthy.
Animal Products Labeled "Halal"
Food products labeled as "Halal" meet the requirements put forth by Islamic laws. These foods are sought after by Muslims that wish to adhere to these requirements. The term "Halal" simply means that the foods products are permitted by Allah, or God. Muslims believe that animals should be handled with care and given plenty of rest in order to keep their suffering to a minimum. There are many stores that offer Halal food products today. Visit http://www.GoOrganicAmerica.com and share on organic topics, how to get your kids to eat healthy organic foods and share nutrition advice.
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